starting a beat lab

[Mr Marz]

question for all the producers out there, and i know we got a few... im tryna get some gear and start pumping some beats out. i am a beginner so keep this in mind- im not looking for anything crazy just a basic mpc controller and keyboard i can plug into my laptop. what kinda shit should i get? i need to get some studio monitors too my speakers suck- but what else? do i need to get a mixer if im plugging it into my laptop- most likely into the usb. i know its not gunna be the best stuff but im not ballin at this point in time so id like to keep it under a g. suggestions?

good looks in advance

 

[Bigg Limn]

best stuff 4 U would be getting music software...whether somethin basic like FruityLoops or more expensive/advanced like Reason. And Ull want/need a MIDI Controller [keyboard] - mebbe even somethin like a MPD for drums as well...but a MIDI keyboard would be just fine.

 

[Mr Marz]

thanks limn appreciate it man... yea i was checkin out an akai mpd thats pretty inexpensive and a simple keyboard to start off with. i already have reason and fruity loops. any downsides to having the cracked versions as opposed to actually paying for them?

 

[Bigg Limn]

dont think so...and rly 2 get tarted out w/ like I said U can jus do a midi keyboard...bang the drums out on there..thats what I do anyways..pretty much the same response

 

[Rahim]

1. download cracked software. if you want pro-tools, buy the M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB Audio Interface and you get pro-tools software with it. Here's a link:

Buy M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB Audio Interface | Audio Interfaces | Musician's Friend

buy an m-audio midi keyboard:

M-AUDIO - Keystation 61es - 61-Key Semi-Weighted USB MIDI Controller

buy m-audio monitors:

Amazon.com: M-Audio Studiophile AV30 Professional Reference Speakers: Musical Instruments

if you have extra money, invest in a korg triton and yamaha motif. it would be the best investment you ever made.

if you need studio furniture here is a nice desk for the bedroom producer:

On Stage WS7500RB Studio Desk - DrumZa

some of this stuff might not be in your budget, but i recommend this to anyone with a small budget or even a budget at all. these are the essentials every producer needs. don't buy this stuff if you don't know how to use it. learn from the shitty equipment first then move up.

 

[Pittsey]

No offence. But rather than call the thread "beat lab". Please call it "making music on my computer"... Thanks.

 

[Shadows]

^lmao


Dude, Marz, welcome back. I hope you post more and upload more rap too.

 

[Rukas]

Invest in a GOOD set of headphones before you worry about monitors, you're making beats not mixing or mastering and so you're better off making them in studio headphones. Listen to a lot of your favorite beats through them to get used to how they sound.

The AKAI MPD is good. Hook it up to Fruity Loops on a PC or Logic on a Mac and you're good to go. Then the most important thing will be collecting sounds.